Puno – Private Half Day Tour to the Chullpas of Sillustani from Puno

Have you ever wondered how ancient civilizations achieved such a perfect connection between architecture and the cosmos? The Chullpas of Sillustani offer the answer in an imposing funerary sanctuary where monumental stone towers rise against the serene backdrop of Lake Umayo. This experience invites you to discover the secrets of the Andean elite and connect with the living essence of the Atuncolla community, in a landscape where history and nature merge in an unforgettable way.

What will you know on this Tour?

1. Puno City.
2. Atuncolla Community.
3. Sillustani Archaeological Complex.
4. Umayo Lake.
5. Hatun Island.

Our tour begins with passenger pick-up directly from their accommodations for our first stop at the Puma Viewpoint, where you can enjoy a privileged panoramic view of the city of Puno and the vastness of Lake Titicaca. Next, we’ll continue our journey to the community of Atuncolla to share an authentic experience in a family home. There, you’ll learn about rural life firsthand, interacting with llamas and alpacas, and participating in a tasting of local cheeses paired with various native potato varieties, staples of Andean nutrition. During this visit, you’ll also discover the symbolism of the famous Pukara Bulls and have the opportunity to purchase these handcrafted pieces.

Upon arriving at the archaeological complex, we’ll begin our ascent to the chullpas (funerary towers) while learning about the history of this sacred site. You will learn how this area was initially inhabited by the Pukara culture and later by the Tiwanaku (a pre-Inca culture), who developed advanced agricultural systems and built these towers to house their elite. We will observe how, with the expansion of the Tawantinsuyu (Inca Empire), the Incas integrated their architecture while respecting the existing structures.

The highlight will be reaching the summit, where the imposing towers rise above Lake Umayo and Hatun Island, a natural refuge for vicuñas that complete this captivating landscape. Here, you can take spectacular photographs while we analyze the precision with which the giant stones were fitted together and the mystery of their doorways, always facing east. Before returning to Puno, you will have free time to enjoy a hot beverage (not included) or choose local souvenirs.